INS approved parents, but visa delay at Embassy

[PIASH007]

What is the name of your state? CA

INS approved my parents to join me in the US, but at the local US Embassy they asked for police reports from ALL countries my parents lived in.
My father was a diplomat and they were living abroad for 3-4 years in many countries since they were 23 (they are 65 now).
Questions:
1. how legitimate such requirement?
2. is there any time limitation - like give us police report from the counties you lived in for the last 10-20 years, not 40 years ago.

thanks
Mills

 

[evcalyptos]

What is the name of your state? CA

INS approved my parents to join me in the US, but at the local US Embassy they asked for police reports from ALL countries my parents lived in.
My father was a diplomat and they were living abroad for 3-4 years in many countries since they were 23 (they are 65 now).
Questions:
1. how legitimate such requirement?
2. is there any time limitation - like give us police report from the counties you lived in for the last 10-20 years, not 40 years ago.

thanks
Mills

Being that it is a clearly stated requirement for obtaining an Immigrant Visa, I'd call it very legitimate.
Were the instructions not stated clearly in the interview checklist that was sent to your parents?

The only 'out' I could imagine (and I am ONLY imagining this as a possibility) is if their diplomatic status covered them the same way that military service does. IOW, a person enrolled in the military does not need a police cert for time spent in a foreign country 'on base' or 'on ship'. They are considered still on their home soil. You would want to contact the Consular Officer directly on that question.